tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post1956983577650046206..comments2018-02-21T11:56:24.472-05:00Comments on The Jane Austen Film Club: Emma by Jane Austen- Which film adaptation is best?Jenny Allworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08518779478842699970noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-211356606703672122018-01-11T11:10:47.448-05:002018-01-11T11:10:47.448-05:00I liked all of the actresses who portrayed Emma Wo...I liked all of the actresses who portrayed Emma Woodhouse. But my favorite performance came from Gwyneth Paltrow. Garai almost made it to the top of the list, but she had a penchant for mugging sometimes. Doran Godwin was fine, but there were moments when I found her a bit too chilly for my tastes. Kate Beckinsale was solid in portraying Emma&#39;s snobbery, but that is about it. She didn&#39;t seemed to have much of a comic timing in the 1996-97 A&amp;E version.<br />Juanita's Journalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06007678019822042114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-5569056625076579292016-06-18T19:53:26.555-04:002016-06-18T19:53:26.555-04:00I do like the casting of Emma and Mr. Knightley in...I do like the casting of Emma and Mr. Knightley in 2009 bbc version the most, even though Emma and Mr. Knightley don&#39;t seem to have so much age difference. Mr. Knightley is supposed to look older and have more depth in his character, but the actor did a good job. All the &#39;Elton&#39; scenes were very properly done, the casting and the characters of Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax didn&#39;t match the book&#39;s perfectly well as the 1996 Kate&#39;s one, but were OK. I do not like the casting of Emma and Knightley in Kate Beckinsale&#39;s version, though I am a huge fan of Mark Strong. His Knightley was too cold and serious, almost suitable for Mr. Darcy. Plus, I got an impression that he has some quality of a darker character in him. The 1972 version contains perfect interpretations and acting of characters but for some reason, I couldn&#39;t really attach myself to the film - too slow, boring and unattractive for my modern taste. Mr. Elton was perfect in that version by the way.<br />The only huge thing that I disliked in the bbc adaptation was perhaps the inconsistency of characters in the last episode. It was overall rather hastily done comparing to the other episodes. The tender scene between Emma and Knightley was a little too cheesy. And why does Emma have to cry and be so much in panic when Knightley confesses his love and when they talk about the possibility of leaving her father? I thought that was an unnecessary, inappropriate alternation. <br />If I were to be greedy, I would add one more criticism: the ending was somewhat unsatisfactory to my taste as well - in fact, just as the novel itself. That means, I thought the TV adaptation could add something more fictional like in Pride and Prejudice. Although I have to confess that its addition of Elton being a little bit ashamed of his wife unlike the novel, was actually nice, since I could never stand the woman and wanted some kind of evil on her.<br />I need to watch Gwyneth&#39;s version again though! Can&#39;t recall the detail of that movie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-50619039190951134412016-06-06T04:46:35.358-04:002016-06-06T04:46:35.358-04:00If one can but choose the actors from different ve...If one can but choose the actors from different versions my ideal casting would be:<br /><br />Emma - Gwyneth Paltrow<br />Mr. Knightley - Johnny Lee Miller<br />Ms. Taylor - Gretta Schachi<br />Mr. Woodhouse - Michael Gambon<br />Mrs Elton - Juliet Stevenson<br />Mr. Elton - <br />Ms Bates - Sophie Thomson<br />Jane Fairfax - Olivia Williams<br />Mr. Churchill - Ewan McGregor (minus wig)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07283804756464822018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-84474073356007966592016-05-15T04:00:18.648-04:002016-05-15T04:00:18.648-04:00I will have to say that I don&#39;t like American ...I will have to say that I don&#39;t like American versions of Shakespeare compared to the British ones, I suppose I feel the same way about Austen (although &quot;Clueless&quot; is a really great movie! Simply superb!). The best Emma adaptation for me has to be the Kate Beckinsale version. It is perfect, just as the novel is. Shukru Shonihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01953756882077535784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-12250580314485005552015-04-12T11:53:20.112-04:002015-04-12T11:53:20.112-04:00What I didn&#39;t like about the Doran Godwin vers...What I didn&#39;t like about the Doran Godwin version was that instead of being 21 and 38, Emma and Mr Knightley appear to be about 35 and 55. And silly as it sounds, that really reduces the appeal for me...<br /><br />I liked 1996 Emma, but they went out of their way to remove most of her bad behavior. By the end she feels contrite but it is unclear why. <br /><br />The 2009 version I adore completely. I wish Emma wasn&#39;t taller than JLM though. But the music is incredible. The scenes between them are electric. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-75563988476967711982015-03-19T08:33:12.279-04:002015-03-19T08:33:12.279-04:00Not mentioned on here is the Doran Godwin version ...Not mentioned on here is the Doran Godwin version (BBC 1972), but not easily found now, maybe. Brian Kennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14576297254412677813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-23023142393603957052013-09-10T15:37:04.297-04:002013-09-10T15:37:04.297-04:00Hello Anon, Glad you are also a fan of the 2009 ve...Hello Anon, Glad you are also a fan of the 2009 version. I agree that the attention to detail such as in Isabella&#39;s scene is marvelous. Facial expressions throughout the miniseries really use the medium of film to tell the story. I loved Isabella&#39;s last scene as the newlyweds are pulling away in the carriage. Brings me to tears every time!<br />Cheers!Jenny Allworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08518779478842699970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-59073083193797893052013-08-29T08:54:57.529-04:002013-08-29T08:54:57.529-04:00And also how could I forget, the music!And also how could I forget, the music!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-63799755597932321892013-08-28T18:15:33.222-04:002013-08-28T18:15:33.222-04:00Emma 2009 definitely. That&#39;s as much because ...Emma 2009 definitely. That&#39;s as much because of the subtleties as the obviously good acting in the main parts. For example, I&#39;ve come to really appreciate the nuances given in certain scenes especially by Louise Dylan as Harriet. Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse is perfect, as for example in expressing his love for Emma and the inner turmoil when she must leave at times. And the way Isabella reacts with surprise and joy to the letter telling of Emma&#39;s engagement is compelling - no words needed to be spoken, that 10 second scene was perfect. And many more things like that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-46943810212975402542012-02-11T15:01:38.501-05:002012-02-11T15:01:38.501-05:00I love all three however as soon as i saw the most...I love all three however as soon as i saw the most modern one, 2009, it immediatly took first place for me :) i love it. I think Johnny Lee Miller portrays Knightly really well &lt;3 <br />Dedicated Austen fan :) xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-64102612952740129002011-11-08T16:42:06.489-05:002011-11-08T16:42:06.489-05:00If I was stuck on a desert island, I would take th...If I was stuck on a desert island, I would take the 2009 adaptation of Emma as it is my favourite! I think Johnny Lee Miller &amp; Romola Garai are perfect as Emma &amp; Mr. Knightley! Johnny is very handsome &amp; Romola is very pretty. Some of my favourite scenes are;<br />The Dance<br />The Proposal<br />The conversation on the bench<br />When Emma says she cannot marry Mr. Knightly and he comforts her in a tender &amp; loving way. Awww! <br /><br />I also love the costumes in this adaptation. Everything about Emma is lovely &amp; I enjoyed this version so much I read the novel too which is great too. I also love the part where Mr. Knightly holds Emma&#39;s hand when they go talk to her father it is nice because Emma is very worried and Mr. Knightly is comforting her again. Why can&#39;t all men be like an Jane Austen hero? Sigh.... <br /><br />The 2009 adaptation is gorgeous! I love it!<br /><br />Kate x<br /><br />Leeds, England<br /><br />Leeds, EnglandKatenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-37452967107203178052011-11-08T15:00:53.800-05:002011-11-08T15:00:53.800-05:00Hey Big Sis!
Yes, I thought about you when I was ...Hey Big Sis!<br /><br />Yes, I thought about you when I was writing this post as we have discussed the many versions of Emma before. I have to lend you the Romola Garai version because you have only watched that one on YouTube. You cannot appreciate it in 10 minute chunks on your lunch hour dearie! When Jonny Lee Miller and Squerryes Court fill your high def screen you may feel differently. I&#39;m just sayin&#39;....<br /><br />Actually, I really do love them all. Even the Kate Beckinsale version written by my idol Andrew Davies is well worth an evening to cuddle up with.<br /><br />But, yes, there is something wonderful about Clueless. It does hold up after 16 years doesn&#39;t it? These wonderful 1990&#39;s adaptations (and you forgot Persuasion 1995!) got me through the Mommy years with my sanity!<br /><br />Looking forward to our girl&#39;s weekend in TO and the Grace Kelly exhibit. Woohoo!Jenny Allworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08518779478842699970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-19781176950153868032011-11-08T13:59:38.655-05:002011-11-08T13:59:38.655-05:00Dear Jenny:
As you are torn between the Gwyneth P...Dear Jenny:<br /><br />As you are torn between the Gwyneth Paltrow and the Romola Garai versions, I am torn between Gwyneth&#39;s &quot;Emma&quot; and Alicia Silverstone in &quot;Clueless&quot;. I think that Juliet Stevenson in the 1995 Emma is the ultimate Mrs. Elton - the one to whom all other Mrs. Eltons are compared and found wanting (I remember our conversation about that, where I got you to reconsider that version of Emma mainly on the strength of that performance!) <br /><br />And &quot;Clueless&quot;! (My, but 1995/1996 were key years for Austen-mania - these, plus P&amp;P and S&amp;S.) We pulled this one out again at our house the other evening (great family viewing) and it&#39;s amazing how well it has held up over the past 15 years - it&#39;s really depressing, however, that the male fashion of baggy-ass pants on teenagers is still around - and the humour was incredibly well-written. <br /><br />So, for me, it&#39;s a tie between Emma (1996) and Clueless (1995). Great double bill.<br /><br />Love,<br />Big SisterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-21760547281814231702011-11-07T18:46:11.660-05:002011-11-07T18:46:11.660-05:00Hi Marina!
You have very good taste in film. Emma...Hi Marina!<br /><br />You have very good taste in film. Emma 2009 and Lost in Austen are both wonderful. I dream of someday seeing the house that they used for Emma&#39;s Hartfield in the Romola version. If I could live at Squerryes Court, I would!Jenny Allworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08518779478842699970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-82081828904921324512011-11-07T04:18:23.824-05:002011-11-07T04:18:23.824-05:00For me it&#39;s the one with Romola Garai.
PS. Yo...For me it&#39;s the one with Romola Garai.<br /> PS. Your blog is amazing. Thanks to you I&#39;ve watched Lost in Austen last month and really like it :)Marina(Makeup4all)http://www.makeup4all.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-46230291222603387262011-11-05T11:28:51.310-04:002011-11-05T11:28:51.310-04:00@Meredith and Maria Grazia- I have a soft spot for...@Meredith and Maria Grazia- I have a soft spot for both the Gwyneth Paltrow and the Romola Garai versions. I would not want to be without either one of them. Thus the problem if I had to chose just one. It usually boils down to how much time I have. And I&#39;d hate to have to choose between Jeremy Northam and Jonny Lee Miller!<br /><br />I just rewatched the Kate Beckinsale version (I have them all of course) and it is probably the truest version of Austen&#39;s story but perhaps I like the slightly softened Emma and Mr. Knightly of the aforementioned versions!<br /><br />And I can&#39;t be the only one who loves the modern take of Clueless. My post on Clueless is one of my most popular posts ever. Paul Rudd makes an adorable &quot;Knightley&quot; too!Jenny Allworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08518779478842699970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-72550285248845505702011-11-05T09:27:02.144-04:002011-11-05T09:27:02.144-04:00I loved Paltrow/Northam version when I saw it but ...I loved Paltrow/Northam version when I saw it but then I saw the latest BBC mini-series and now that&#39;s my favourite EMMA. I&#39;ve voted in the poll. Thanks for this nice post, Jenny!MARIA GRAZIAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08876779286144473782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8833418224175267236.post-69489010704160175852011-11-05T06:44:32.642-04:002011-11-05T06:44:32.642-04:00I love the Paltrow/Northam version. Why? Jeremy N...I love the Paltrow/Northam version. Why? Jeremy Northam, of course! JK! While I do love him, I just loved everything about this adaptation, I know its probably not the most accurate, but oh well! I love the scenery, especially Box Hill and in the gardens around Hartfield, the music (I own the soundtrack and so does half of my family!), and the actors: Toni Collette, Ewan MacGregor, Jermey Northam, Greta Scacchi, Gwenyth Paltrow (I know I might be in the minority with Gwenyth, but I liked her!)Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07081700715706497061noreply@blogger.com